Theme Parks

With family fun, thrilling rides, live music and champion livestock, it’s fair to say the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair rocks. A colorful new contest added this year could spell a free day at the fair for lucky winners. The opens Nov 7, and continues through Nov 17 at the located in the Sports Complex adjacent to TIAA Bank Field. VIP tickets are available for performance by Uncle Kracker, Eli Young Band, Blanco Brown and Blue Oyster Cult. Free seating is available for all shows with the price of an admission ticket. JaxFairRocks features painted rocks hidden in plain sight across …

Now in its 29th year, ’s has long been chock-full of terrors that will have the most hardened soul quaking in their combat boots. This year is no exception. With a whopping 10 terrifying haunted houses, HHN29 is a horror-lover’s nightmare come true.  The 80s have made a massive comeback over the last couple years and they’re alive and well at Halloween Horror Nights. Most of the houses fit solidly into the theme while a few require you to sort of squint to see the connection. In any case, it’s always a blast to step into the “decade that just …

As summer stretches on and the temperatures tick skyward, Florida families know that sometimes the best place to play is inside where the AC is cool and sunscreen is not required. Thankfully, the First Coast is home to plenty of indoor activities so you’ll never be bored while beating the heat.  Indoor Playgrounds Bay & Bee (locations at the Beaches and Bartram Springs, www.baynbee.com) Bay & Bee is a locally owned, eco-friendly indoor play space inspired by Montessori and Waldorf educational principles and geared toward children, infant to age 5. In addition to open play, classes and workshops are available …

“Universal’s Epic Universe” Will Bring Experiences Beyond Your Wildest Imagination to Life Universal Orlando Resort is building a new, fourth, theme park to be called Universal’s Epic Universe. The vision: create an entirely new level of experience that forever changes . Universal’s Epic Universe will take guests on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands – and where that journey is as much a part of their adventure as the ultimate destination. “Our new park represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and …

There’s nothing more road trip-worthy than Florida’s theme parks, and this summer is a great time to brave the crowds and the heat. This year all of the major theme parks in the state have either already unveiled new attractions or will have something new to share in the coming months. Here’s a look at the five new additions we’re most excited about: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios For over 40 years the franchise has been a global phenomenon, keeping generations of fans transfixed on amazing adventures that happened “a long time ago in a galaxy far, …

“Camping was like childbirth.” I explained to my friend after my husband and I decided to give camping as a family a try this January. I am already planning our next camping adventure in my head, even though just a few days ago I was lying on a freezing air mattress, with a four year old as physically close to me as possible without crawling back inside his first home, and swearing to myself, “I will never do this again! Never!” Yet, somehow I am pretty sure we will do it again, and possibly even make it an annual thing.  …

BEAT THE HEAT WITH WATERPARKS Ahhh, summer! The days are longer, the temperatures are soaring, and people start getting desperate for any opportunity to cool off. For some, that means cranking the A/C and trying not to think of the sky-high electric bill coming their way. For others, especially the young and the young at heart, getting out and getting wet is the way to go. If you fall into the latter category, Florida has plenty of opportunities for a splashing good time. Experience some thrills while you chill at these waterparks in and around the Jax area. Shipwreck Island …